One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them.

MEN OF ARNOR

Kar = (High) King of Arnor

kar = King of Arthedain

chi = Chieftain of the Dunedain of the North

Men of Arnor The Dúnedain of the North.

Northern Line

Dúnedain of ArnorDúnedain of CardolanDúnedain of the North

King of Arnor • High King of ArnorKing of Arthedain • Last-king • Norbury of the KingsKing of Arthedain

Northern Dúnedain

Exiles of Númenor

House of Elendil

House of Elendil

Heir of Elendil

Kings of Arnor

Great King

0861-1975 Kings of Arthedain. 1113y.

1975-3019 Chieftains of the Dúnedain of the North. 1044 years.

See also RULERS and ARNOR

Chieftain of the NorthThe leader of the Northern Dúnedain.

Chieftain of the Dúnedain

Chieftain of the Dúnedain.

Leader of the Dunedain of the North after the fall of the North-kingdom. The Chieftains of the Dunedain were direct descendants of Isildur, the second King of the North-kingdom of Arnor. Arnor had been divided into three Kingdoms in 861 of the Third Age and the line of Isildur had been continued through the Kings of Arthedain.

The North-kingdom ceased to exist entirely in 1974 when the Witch-king of Angmar attacked the remaining Dunedain. He was defeated at the Battle of Fornost in 1975, but the Dunedain suffered great losses. They did not return to the city of Fornost but instead became a wandering people.

Since he had no Kingdom to rule,Aranarth - son of Arvedui, last King of Arthedain - took the title Chieftain of the Dunedain in 1976. The Sceptre of Annuminas which was the chief symbol of royalty of the North-kingdom was left in the care of Elrond at Rivendell along with other heirlooms of the House of Isildur. The Chieftains of the Dunedain also fostered their sons with Elrond during their youth.

There were sixteen Chieftains of the Dunedain. They maintained in a direct line from father to son the blood of Isildur, son of Elendil. The Chieftains were also descendants of Elendil's second son Anarion - forefather of the Kings of Gondor - through Aranarth's mother Firiel who was the daughter of King Ondoher of Gondor.

The Dunedain of the North continued to protect the peoples of Eriador who called them Rangers. Orcs and other dangerous creatures troubled the northern lands. In 2327, Aragorn I - the fifth Chieftain - was killed by wolves. The twelfth Chieftain, Arathorn I, died an untimely death in unknown circumstances in 2848. Arador, the fourteenth Chieftain, was killed by Hill-trolls in the Coldfells north of Rivendell in 2930.

Arador's son Arathorn II was Chieftain for only three years when was he killed while hunting Orcs in 2933. His son Aragorn II was only two years old when he became the sixteenth and last Chieftain of the Dunedain. Aragorn's mother Gilraen took him to Rivendell to live with Elrond until he came of age. Elrond told Aragorn of his heritage in 2951.

Aragorn fought with the free peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron in the War of the Ring. After Sauron was defeated in 3019, Aragorn reestablished the North-kingdom and claimed the Kingship of both Arnor and Gondor. He received the Sceptre of Annuminas from Elrond on Midsummer's Eve and he received the Crown of Gondor on May 1. His descendants were the Kings of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor.

The word Dúnedain means "Men of the West." The Dunedain were so called because they were descendants of the Men of Numenor - an island realm to the west of Middle-earth. The term Dunedain applied to the people of both Arnor and Gondor, but the Chieftain of the Dunedain was the leader only of the Dunedain of the North.

ELENDIL THE TALL. Two sons. Isildur and Anarion. See ELENDIL

ISILDUR. Four sons. Elendur (

ANARION. One son. Meneldil. See ANARION

AR-. (N). "Royal, King". Prefix attached to the royal names of those rulers of Westernesse who took their names in Númenórean (Adûnaic). See also Aran- and Tar-.

ARAN-. (S). "Royal, King". Prefix attached to the royal names of the Kings of Arthedain after Malvegil and by the Chieftains of the Dúnedain of the North to indicate their claim to all of Arnor.

Unlike the Númenorean prefixes Ar- and Tar-, the element Aran was an integral part of the name and was given at birth. See Arvedui. Sometimes shortened to Ara- or Ar-. See also Ar- and Tar-.

TAR-. (Q). "Royal, King". Prefix attached to names of those Kings and Ruling Queens of Westernesse who took their names in Quenya. also Ar- and Aran-.

AMLAITH OF FORNOST. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar01.

L:3A0726-0946=220y. R:3A0861-0946=85y. R:135.

Eldest son (of three) of King Eärendur (Kar10), the last King of Arnor. Father of Beleg (kar02).

3A0861: Eärendur died and the Kingdom of Arnor was split into three Kingdoms: Arthedain, Cardolan, Rhudaur. Amlaith was the First King of Arthedain. Father of Beleg (kar02).

After the death of Eärendur the Kings did not use any longer the High-elven names.

After the break-up of his father's kingdom, he ruled the western part of the lost land of Arnor, a region that came to be known as Arthedain.

First King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Amlaith was born in 726 of the Third Age. He was the son of King Earendur of Arnor. He had at least two younger brothers.

When Earendur died in 861, there was dissension among his sons. They divided Arnor into three Kingdoms - Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. Amlaith ruled Arthedain, which was in the west between the River Lune and the Brandywine and also included the land between the Brandywine and the Weather Hills north of the Great East Road. Amlaith moved his capital from Annuminas to Fornost.

The direct line of Isildur was continued in Arthedain through Amlaith's descendants. Amlaith died in 946 and his son Beleg succeeded him as the second King of Arthedain.

The meaning of the name Amlaith is not known. The first element may be am meaning "up." The meaning of the element laith is unknown. It also occurs in the word Limlaith, an Elvish name for the River Limlight. Possible roots of laith include LEK meaning "loose, release" (from which leithian, "release," is derived); LAK meaning "swift"; or LAIK meaning "keen, sharp, acute."

There is also the name Lalaith, "laughter," but this appears to be derived from lala meaning "laughter" plus the suffix -aith or -eth.

Amlaith of Fornost

ANARION. See MEN OF WESTERNESSE

ARADOR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi14.

L:3A2820-2930=110y. R:3A2912-2930=18y. R:92.

Aragorn's grandfather. Son of Argonui (chi13). Father of Arathorn II (chi15).

3A2929: Arador's son Arathorn married Gilraen.

3A2930: Arador was killed by Hill-Trolls in the Coldfells north of Rivendell.

-ARVOREG?

Grandfather of Aragorn, King Elessar. He became the fourteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain in 2912 after the death of his father Argonui.

Arador's son Arathorn married Gilraen in 2929. One year later in 2930, Arador was killed by Hill-trolls in the Coldfells north of Rivendell.

Arador may mean "royal lord" from the element ara meaning "royal, king" and dor, a form of taur, meaning "high, noble, lofty."

Arador

ARAGLAS. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi06.

L:3A2296-2455=159y. R:3A2327-2455=128y. R:31.

Son of Aragorn I (chi05). Father of Arahad I (chi07).

-ARALLAS.

Sixth Chieftain of the Dunedain. When Aragorn I was killed by wolves in 2327, Araglas became the leader of his people. Araglas died in 2455 and was succeeded by his son Arahad I.

The name Araglas may mean "royal joy" from ara meaning "royal, king" and glass meaning "joy."

Araglas

ARAGORN I. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi05.

L:3A2227-2327=100y. R:3A2319-2327=8y. R:92.

Son of Aravir (chi04). Father of Araglas (chi06).

Fifth Chieftain of the Dunedain. He became Chieftain of the Dunedain on the death of his father Aravir in 2319. In 2327, Aragorn I was slain by wolves, which plagued eastern Eriador. He was succeeded by his son Araglas.

Aragorn I

ARAGORN II. Companion of the Ring. See ARAGORN

The meaning of Aragorn is not clearly stated, but "kingly valour" may have been the intended meaning.

ARAGOST. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi08.

L:3A2431-2588=157y. R:3A2523-2588=65y. R:92.

Son of Arahad I (chi07). Father of Aravorn (chi09).

-ARANDOST.

Eighth Chieftain of the Dunedain. Aragost became Chieftain of the Dunedain after his father's death in 2523. He ruled until his death in 2588 and was succeeded by his son Aravorn.

The name Aragost may be composed of ara meaning "royal, king" and gost meaning "dread."

Aragost

ARAHAD I. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi07.

L:3A2365-2523=158y. R:3A2455-2523=68y. R:90.

Son of Araglas (chi06). Father of Aragost (chi08).

Seventh Chieftain of the Dunedain. Arahad I became Chieftain of the Dunedain in 2455. Around 2480, Orcs began to make strongholds in the Misty Mountains in order to block the passes into Eriador. Arahad I died in 2523 and was succeeded by his son Aragost.

The meaning of Arahad is not certain. The element ara means "royal, king." The second element may be had meaning "hurl, throw."

Arahad I

ARAHAD II. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi10.

L:3A2563-2719=156y. R:3A2654-2719=65y. R:91.

Son of Aravorn (chi09). Father of Arassuil (chi11).

-ARANGAR

Tenth Chieftain of the Dunedain. He became Chieftain of the Dunedain after his father's death in 2654. Arahad II died in 2719 and was succeeded by his son Arassuil.

The meaning of Arahad is not certain. The element ara means "royal, king." The second element may be had meaning "hurl, throw."

Arahad II

ARAHAEL. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi02.

L:3A2012-2177=165y. R:3A2106-2177=71y. R:94.

Son of Aranarth (chi01). Father of Aranuir (chi03).

-ARAHAIL.

-ARANHANTIL.

Second Chieftain of the Dunedain. As a child, Arahael was sent to Rivendell to be fostered by Elrond. From then on, it became traditional for all the sons of the Chieftains to live at Rivendell in their youth.

Arahael died in 2177 and was succeeded by his son Aranuir.

The name Arahael means "wise king" from ara meaning "king, royal" and hael from sael meaning "wise."

Arahael

ARANARTH. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi01.

L:3A1938-2106=168y. R:3A1975-2106=131y. R:37.

Elder son of Arvedui, the last King of Arthedain, who was missed in 1974. Father of Arahael (chi02).

His father was King Arvedui of Arthedain in the North-kingdom, and his mother was Firiel, the daughter of King Ondoher of Gondor. Aranarth had at least one younger brother.

The heir of Arvedui, who would have become King of Arthedain if not for the destruction of his realm by the Witch-king. He saw his loss avenged, though, when a great army of Dúnedain out of Gondor, led by Eärnur, wiped out the Witch-king's own realm of Angmar. During his time, the Watchful Peace began, and the Heirs of Isildur had peace until the time of Arahad I.

First Chieftain of the Dunedain. Aranarth was the son of King Arvedui of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. His mother was Firiel, the daughter of King Ondoher of Gondor. Aranarth had at least one younger brother.

In 1974 of the Third Age, the Witch-king of Angmar attacked Arthedain and captured its capital, Fornost. King Arvedui retreated north to the Icebay of Forochel, while his sons sought the help of Cirdan of the Grey Havens. Cirdan sent a ship to rescue Arvedui, but the King and all hands were lost at Sea.

The Witch-king was defeated at the Battle of Fornost in 1975, but the Dunedain were weakened and scattered, and the North-kingdom ended. Aranarth took the title Chieftain instead of King. In 1976, Aranarth went to dwell for a time at Rivendell, the home of Elrond.

Aranarth's son Arahael was born in 2012. Aranarth had his son fostered at Rivendell in his youth - a tradition continued by the subsequent Chieftains of the Dunedain. Aranarth died in 2106 and Arahael succeeded him as Chieftain.

*1938

Birth of Arvedui's son Aranarth in Arthedain. (Note: This date is probably incorrect as it conflicts with the marriage of Arvedui two years later in 1940.)

Aranarth's birth date is uncertain. It is given as 1938 of the Third Age in HOME XII, but the date of his parents' marriage is given as two years later in 1940.

Aranarth may mean "noble king." The word aran means "king." The element arth may mean "noble."

Aranarth

ARANTAR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. Kar05.

L:3A0185-0435= 250y. R:3A0339-0435=96y. R:154.

Son of Eldacar (Kar04). Father of Tarcil (Kar06).

The name Arantar is composed of aran meaning "king" and tar meaning "high, lofty."

Arantar

ARANUIR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi03.

L:3A2084-2247=163y. R:3A2177-2247=70y. R:93.

Son of Arahael (chi02). Father of Aravir (chi04).

-ARANUIL.

Third Chieftain of the Dunedain. Aranuir succeeded his father as Chieftain in 2177. He died in 2247 and was in turn succeeded by his son Aravir.

The meaning of Aranuir is uncertain. It may mean "eternal king" from aran meaning "king" and uir meaning "eternity."

Aranuir

ARAPHANT. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar14.

L:3A1789-1964=175y. R:3A1891-1964=73y. R:102.

Son of Araval (kar13). Father of Arvedui (kar15) the Last King.

During his reign contact with Gondor was renewed.

Fourteenth King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. When Araphant's son was born in 1864, Malbeth the Seer foretold that the end of the North-kingdom was near and he named the child Arvedui, meaning "Last King." In 1940, Arvedui married Firiel, the daughter of King Ondoher of Gondor. Araphant had renewed communications with Gondor in hopes of gaining an ally against the Witch-king of Angmar. Gondor was also under attack at that time. King Araphant and King Ondoher realized that there was a single power behind the attacks on both their Kingdoms, though they did not know it was Sauron. The two Kings took counsel with one another, but neither could spare help or resources to the other.

Araphant died in 1964 and was succeeded by Arvedui, who was in fact the Last King.

The meaning of Araphant is uncertain. It may mean "supreme king" from ara meaning "king, royal" and pant meaning "full."

Araphant

ARAPHOR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar09.

L:3A1391-1589=198y. R:3A1409-1589=180y. R:18.

Son of Arveleg I (kar08). Father of Argeleb II (kar10).

Like Arveleg I before him, it fell to Araphor to avenge his father's death. He fought valiantly against the Witch-king's armies, and with aid from the Elves forced them to withdraw for a time into the east.

-MALVEGIL.

Ninth King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. After Arveleg was slain by the forces of the Witch-king of Angmar in 1409, Araphor repelled the enemy forces from Fornost and the North Downs with the help of Cirdan the Shipwright from the Grey Havens. Araphor was only about 18 years old at the time. He succeeded his father as King of Arthedain and ruled until his death in 1589. He was in turn succeeded by his son Argeleb II.

The element ara means "royal, king." The element phor means "right-hand."

Araphor

ARASSUIL. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi11.

L:3A2628-2784=156y. R:3A2719-2784=65y. R:91.

Son of Arahad II (chi10). Father of Arathorn I (chi12).

During his reign Eriador was troubled by Orcs.

-ARASUIL.

Eleventh Chieftain of the Dunedain. Arassuil became Chieftain of the Dunedain when his father died in 2719.

In 2740, Orcs began to come down from the Misty Mountains into Eriador. The Dunedain fought the Orcs with the help of Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond.

The chief battles were fought between 2745 and 2748. In 2747, a band of Orcs led by Golfimbul invaded the Shire and were defeated by Bandobras Took and the Hobbits in the Battle of Greenfields.

The Long Winter of 2758-59 caused great suffering and loss of life in Eriador, and particularly in the Shire. A famine followed that lasted through the next year.

Arassuil died in 2784 and was succeeded by his son, Arathorn I.

The name Arassuil appears to be derived from the word aran meaning "king" and suil meaning "greeting."

Arassuil

ARATAN. 2nd Son of Isildur. < EARNUR. See

ARATHORN I. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi12.

L:3A2693-2848=155y. R:3A2784-2848=64y. R:91.

Son of Arassuil (chi11). Father of Argonui (chi13).

He died a violent death.

Twelfth Chieftain of the Dunedain. He succeeded his father as Chieftain of the Dunedain in 2784. Arathorn I died in 2848.

His name in "The Northern Line - Heirs of Isildur" in Appendix A of The Lord or the Rings is marked with a dagger, indicating a premature or violent death, but the circumstances are not recorded. He was succeeded by his son Argonui.

Arathorn means "king-eagle." The element ara is derived from aran meaning "king." The element þorono or thorono means "eagle."

Arathorn I

ARATHORN II. Father of Aragorn. Husband of Gilraen. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi15.

L:3A2873-2933=60y. R:2930-2933=3y. R:57.

Son of Arador (chi14). Father of Aragorn II (chi16).

3A2929: He married Gilraen the Fair. Their only child and son was Aragorn (King Elessar).

3A2933: Arathorn II was slain by Orcs while fighting with Elladan and Elrohir, the twin-brothers, sons of Elrond.

-ARAMIR. Original name. -CELEGORN.

-ELDAKAR. "Elfhelm" Father of Eldamir ("Elfstone") (=Aragorn).

-ELFHELM. -INGRIM. -KELEGORN.

-TARKIL. Aragorn II and f Arathorn II.

-VALATAR. Father of Eldamir (Elfstone).

He was a stern man. When Arathorn sought the hand of Gilraen in marriage, her father Dirhael was opposed to the match because of his daughter's youth and because he sensed that Arathorn would be short-lived. But Gilraen's mother Ivorwen convinced her husband to change his mind, saying "If these two wed now, hope may be born for our people; but if they delay, it will not come while this age lasts." (Appendix A, p. 338) The couple was married in 2929.

Arathorn became the fifteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain when his father Arador was slain by Hill-trolls in the Coldfells north of Rivendell in 2930. In 2931, Gilraen bore their only child Aragorn. Two years later, in 2933, Arathorn went out to fight Orcs with Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond. Arathorn was shot in the eye with an Orc arrow and was killed. He was sixty years old when he died. Arathorn's two-year-old son Aragorn succeeded him as Chieftain of the Dunedain. Aragorn became King of the Reunited Kingdom in 3019.

Arathorn means "king-eagle." The element ara is derived from aran meaning "king." The element þorono or thorono means "eagle."

Arathorn II

2873 Birth of Arathorn II, son of Arador (Chieftain of the Dúnedain). (d. 2933)

2907 Birth of Gilraen, mother of Aragorn II. (d. 3007)

2929 Arathorn II marries Gilraen

When Arathorn sought to marry Gilraen, her father, Dírhael, was initially opposed to the marriage because Gilraen was young and Arathorn of full age, and Dírhael foresaw that Arathorn would die young. His wife Ivorwen, however, answered: "The more need of haste! The days are darkening before the storm, and great things are to come. If these two wed now, hope may be born for our people; but if they delay, it will not come while this age lasts."

The foresight of both proved true: Arathorn was slain by an orc-arrow while riding against the orcs with the sons of Elrond, only four years after his marriage to Gilraen, and two years after the birth of their son, Aragorn.

2930 Arathorn II, becomes Fifteenth Chieftain of the Dúnedain when father Arador is slain by trolls in the mountains north of Imladris.

2931 Birth of Aragorn II, Sixteenth Chieftain of the Dúnedain, later King Elessar of Arnor and Gondor. One of the Nine Companions of the Ring.

2933 Arathorn II dies in battle with Orcs. Gilraen his wife takes their son, Aragorn II, to Imladris. There he is raised by Elrond, but his true identity is hidden from him until he reaches twenty years of age.

ARAVAL. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar13.

L:3A1711-1891=180y. R:3A1813-1891=78y. R:102.

Son of Arveleg II (kar12). Father of Araphant (kar14).

-ARVALLEN

Thirteenth King of Arthedain in the North-kindgom. Araval was born in 1711 of the Third Age. He was the son of Arveleg II. Araval became King of Arthedain after his father's death in 1813.

According to one source (HoME XII, p. 195), Araval won a temporary victory over the forces of the Witch-king of Angmar in 1851. He was aided by the Elves of Lindon and Rivendell. Araval also tried to reoccupy Cardolan, which had once been a part of the North-kingdom, but he was unsuccessful because Cardolan was haunted by Barrow-wights and settlers were afraid to live there.

Araval died in 1891 and was succeeded by his son Araphant.

The name Araval may be derived from ara meaning "king, royal" and val from mal meaning "gold."

Araval

ARAVIR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi04.

L:3A2156-2319=163y. R:3A2247-2319=72y. R:91.

Son of Aranuir (chi03). Father of Aragorn I (chi05).

Fourth Chieftain of the Dunedain. He was succeeded by his son, Aragorn I.

The meaning of Aravir is uncertain. The element ara means "royal, king." The element vir may be derived from mîr meaning "jewel."

Aravir

ARAVORN. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi09.

L:3A2497-2654=157y. R:3A2588-2654=66y. R:91.

Son of Aragost (chi08). Father of Arahad II (chi10).

Ninth Chieftain of the Dunedain. He became Chieftain of the Dunedain in 2588. Aravorn died in 2654 and was succeeded by his son Arahad II.

The meaning of Aravorn is not certain. The element ara means "king, noble, royal." The element vorn may be a lenited form of morn meaning "black."

Aravorn

ARGELEB I. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar07.

L:3A1226-1356=130y. R:3A1349-1356=7y. R:123.

Son of Malvegil (kar06). Father of Arveleg I (kar08).

On his accession, since no heirs of Isildur remained in either Rhudaur or Cardolan, he claimed lordship over all of Arnor. See "Ar-" in his name.

By the time Argeleb became King, the royal line had died out in both Cardolan and Rhudaur. As the last remaining heirs of Isildur's line, Argeleb and his successors claimed kingship over all the old lands of Arnor. Rhudaur forcefully resisted the claim, and Argeleb became the first King of Arthedain to die in battle, fighting the forces of Rhudaur and its new and dangerous ally, Angmar.

Rhudaur, which was controlled by Angmar, contested this claim. In the war that followed, Argeleb I fortified the Weather Hills but he was slain in battle. When the claim of lordship over all of Arnor was resisted by Rhudaur, the Dúnedain were few, and power had been seized by an evil lord of the Hillmen, who was in secret league with Angmar.

-CELEBRINDOR.

Seventh King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Around the year 1300, the Lord of the Nazgûl came to the north and established the realm of Angmar. He became known as the Witch-king of Angmar and he made war upon the Dunedain of the North.

Argeleb I became King of Arthedain in 1349. He tried to claim kingship over Cardolan and Rhudaur - the other two kingdoms of the North-kingdom - because no heir of Isildur remained in those realms. But his claim was resisted by Rhudaur, which had been taken over by an evil lord of the Hill-men.

Rhudaur formed an alliance with Angmar and together they attacked Arthedain in 1356. Argeleb I fortified the Weather Hills against their attack, but he was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his son Arveleg I, who managed to drive back the enemy forces with the help of Cardolan and the Elves of Lindon.

The meaning of the name Argeleb is uncertain. It may mean "silver king." The element ar means "high, noble, royal." The element geleb may be derived from celeb meaning silver.

Argeleb I was the first in a continuous line of Kings of Arthedain and Chieftains of the Dunedain to have a name beginning with the prefix ar from aran signifying "High King." This was because they considered themselves to be the rightful Kings of the entire North-kingdom of Arnor.

Argeleb I

ARGELEB II. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar10.

L:3A1473-1670=197y. R:3A1589-1670=81y. R:116.

Son of Araphor (kar09). Father of Arvegil (kar11).

3A1600: Argeleb II gave permission to Marcho and Blanco, the Fallohide Hobbits of Bree, to settle in the Shire.

3A1601: With this year the Shire Reckoning began with year 1.

It was in the time of Argeleb II that Marcho and Blanco passed from Bree over the Baranduin into the green lands beyond. Argeleb allowed the Hobbits to dwell in that region, which became known as the Shire.

In the days of Argeleb II the plague came into Eriador from the South-east. Most of the people of Cardolan perished, especially in Minnhiriath. The Hobbits and all other peoples suffered greatly, but the plague lessened as it passed northwards, and the northern parts of Arthedain were little affected. It was at this time that an end came of the Dúnedain of Cardolan, and evil spirits out of Angmar and Rhudaur entered into the deserted mounds and dwelt there.

-ARVELEG.

On the death of his father Araphor in 1589, he became the tenth King of Arthedain, one of the three kingdoms in the North that formed after the dissolution of Arnor. His seat was at Fornost on the North Downs.

In 1601, Argeleb II granted permission to Marcho and Blanco to lead a party of Hobbits to settle the lands between the Brandywine River and the Far Downs. The King only required that the Hobbits acknowledge his rule, speed his messengers, and repair the roads and bridges, especially the Bridge of Stonebows.

In 1636, the Great Plague came north from Gondor. Many Men and Hobbits died, but the Plague lessened in intensity as it spread and the northern parts of Arthedain were least affected. It was during this time that the Witch-king sent the evil spirits that became the Barrow-wights to occupy the Barrow-downs.

Argeleb II died in 1670. He was succeeded by his son Arvegil.

The meaning of the name Argeleb is uncertain. It may mean "silver king." The element ar means "high, noble, royal." The element geleb may be derived from celeb meaning silver.

Argeleb II

ARGONUI. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. chi13.

L:3A2757-2912=155y. R:3A2848-2912=64y. R:91.

Son of Arathorn I (chi12) killed in 2848. Father of Arador (chi14) born in 2820.

Thirteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain. Argonui became the Chieftain of his people when his father was killed in 2848. During the Fell Winter of 2911, the Brandywine and other rivers froze. In the floods following the spring thaw, the city of Tharbad was ruined.

The meaning of the name Argonui is not known. The element ar means "high, noble, royal." The element gon means "valor" derived from kano meaning "commander." The element ui is an adjectival ending. Thus Argonui may mean "valorous king" or something similar.

Argonui

ARVEDUI. (S). "Last King".

ARVEDUI. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar15. The Last King.

L:3A1864-1975=111y. R:3A1964-1975=10y. R:100.

Son of Araphant (kar14). Father of Aranarth (chi01).

He was missed in 1974. His elder son Aranarth became the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North in 1976. At his birth, Malbeth the Seer foretold he was to be the last king, which is why Arvedui was given his name. Drowned in the Bay of Forochel in 3A1975.

3A1940: Arvedui wedded Fíriel of Gondor, daughter of King Ondoher.

3A1944: Ondoher of Gondor and his sons died, Arvedui claimed the crown of Gondor.

Because of his descent from Isildur who was King of Gondor with Anárion. Also because he was the husband of Fíriel. She was heiress to the throne by laws of Westernesse. Arvedui's claim was rejected.

3A1973: Late this year the Witch-king of Angmar overran Arthedain. Arvedui sent his sons to Lindon, but he remained on the North Downs. He hid in Dwarf-mines in the northern Blue Mountains, but he had to seek refuge with the Lossoth.

3A1975: In March 1975 Círdan sent a ship to Forochel to rescue Arvedui. The ship was trapped in the ice and Arvedui was drowned. He left the Ring of Barahir with the Lossoth. The ring was recovered later.

Last King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. At his birth, it was foretold by Malbeth the Seer that Arvedui would be the last King of Arthedain, which was the last remaining of the three kingdoms into which the North-kingdom of Arnor had been divided. Malbeth counselled Araphant to name him Arvedui, meaning "last king."

Last King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Arvedui, son of Araphant, was born in 1864 of the Third Age. At his birth, it was foretold by Malbeth the Seer that Arvedui would be the last King of Arthedain, which was the last remaining of the three kingdoms into which the North-kingdom of Arnor had been divided. Malbeth counselled Araphant to name him Arvedui, meaning "last king."

Arvedui married Firiel, the daughter of King Ondoher of Gondor, in 1940. When Ondoher and both his sons were killed in battle in 1944, Arvedui made a claim for the throne of Gondor. Arvedui was a direct descendant of Isildur, the eldest son of Elendil who had been the High King of Gondor and Arnor. His wife Firiel was the only surviving child of King Ondoher. In Numenor, women had been able to ascend to the throne, but this was not the case in Gondor. The Council of Gondor led by Pelendur rejected Arvedui's claim and Earnil - a captain of the Royal House - became King of Gondor.

Arvedui did not pursue his claim. He became King of Arthedain on the death of his father in 1964. Arthedain was under increasing threat from the Witch-king of Angmar. In 1973, Arvedui requested aid from King Earnil of Gondor, but help did not arrive in time.

In 1974, the Witch-king attacked Arthedain and seized the capital of Fornost. Arvedui rescued the palantiri of Annuminas and Amon Sul and he fled to the North Downs where he and his men held out for a time. They then retreated to hide in tunnels in the Blue Mountains. When their food ran out, they sought help from the Snowmen who lived on the shore of the Icebay of Forochel. The Snowmen gave them food and shelter from the harsh winter weather.

In March of 1975, Cirdan of the Grey Havens sent a ship to rescue Arvedui. The leader of the Snowmen advised Arvedui not to go but to wait for the spring thaw. Arvedui did not heed his advice. He gave the Ring of Barahir to the leader of the Snowmen as a token of gratitude and he and his men boarded the ship. A great blizzard came from the north and the ship was driven against the ice and its hull was crushed. The palantiri were lost and everyone aboard perished including Arvedui, the Last King.

The North-kingdom was ended and the Dunedain became a wandering people. Arvedui's eldest son Aranarth took the title Chieftain of the Dunedain and through him the line of Isildur was preserved.

Also called Arvedui Last-king. Arvedui means "last king." The element ar means "royal." The element vedui means "last" and is derived from met meaning "end."

Arvedui Last-king

ARVEGIL. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar11.

B:3A1543-1743=200y. R:3A1670-1743=73y. R:127.

Son of Argeleb II (kar10). Father of Arveleg II (kar12).

It is said he died at the age of 200. If so he was born in 3A1543. He received the sceptre on the age of 127.

Eleventh King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. He was the son of Argeleb II. Arvegil became King in 1670. He ruled until his death in 1743 and was succeeded by his son Arveleg II.

The element ar means "king, royal." The element vegil may be a form of megil meaning "sword."

Arvegil

ARVELEG I. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar08.

L:3A1309-1409=100y. R:3A1356-1409=53y. R:47.

Son of Argeleb I (kar07). Father of Araphor (kar09).

Arveleg I, after his father's death, drove the forces of Angmar and Rhudaur back from the Tower Hills. He could do so with the aid of Lindon and Rivendell. Arveleg I was killed in 3A1409 defending the Tower Hills against Angmar and Rhudaur.

-BELEG II.

Eighth King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Arveleg I became King of Arthedain in 1356 after his father was killed in battle with the forces of Rhudaur and Angmar. Angmar was the realm of the Witch-king who - unbeknownst to the Dunedain - was the Lord of the Nazgûl.

Arveleg I drove back the enemy forces with help from the Elves of Lindon and the Dunedain of Cardolan. For over 50 years, Arthedain and Cardolan maintained a frontier along the Weather Hills, the Great East Road, and the lower Hoarwell.

But then in 1409, the Witch-king of Angmar launched an assault against the Dunedain of Arthedain and Cardolan. His forces surrounded Weathertop and the Tower of Amon Sul was destroyed. Arveleg I was killed in the battle. The Dunedain retreated to Fornost. Arveleg's son Araphor, who was still a teenager, managed to defend Fornost and drive back the forces of Angmar with the help of Cirdan and the Elves. Araphor succeeded his father as the ninth King of Arthedain.

Arveleg is composed of ar meaning "royal, king" and veleg from beleg meaning "mighty."

Arveleg I

ARVELEG II. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar12.

L:3A1633-1813=180y. R:3A1743-1813=70y. R:110.

Son of Arvegil (kar11). Father of Araval (kar13).

-ARGELEB.

Twelfth King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Arveleg II became King of Arthedain after his father's death in 1743. He ruled until his death in 1813 and was succeeded by his son Araval.

Arveleg is composed of ar meaning "royal, king" and veleg from beleg meaning "mighty." He was the second King of that name.

Arveleg II

BELEG. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar02.

L:3A0811-1029=218y. R:3A0946-1029=83y. R:133.

Son of Amlaith of Fornost (kar01). Father of Mallor (kar03).

In the later years of Beleg's reign, the Istari (the order of Wizards) arrived in Middle-earth.

Second King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. He was the son of Amlaith and the grandson of Earendur. Earendur was the King of the entire North-kingdom of Arnor, but when he died in 861 there was a dispute among his sons and Arnor was divided into three Kingdoms - Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. Amlaith, the eldest son, became the first King of Arthedain, and it was through his descendants that the line of Isildur was maintained. Amlaith made Fornost his capital city.

Beleg succeeded his father as King of Arthedain in 946 and ruled until his death in 1029. He was followed by his son Mallor.

The name Beleg means "mighty." Beleg was also the name of an Elf who was a great archer in the First Age.

Beleg of Arthedain

CELEBRINDOR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar05.

L:3A1062-1272=210y. R:3A1191-1272=81y. R:129.

Son of Celepharn (kar04). Father of Malvegil (kar06).

-CELEBRINDOL.

Fifth King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. He became King of Arthedain after his father's death in 1191. Celebrindor ruled until his death in 1272 and was succeeded by his son Malvegil. The name Celebrindor may be composed of celebrin meaning "like silver" and the ending -dor from taur meaning "high, noble, lord."

Celebrindor

CELEPHARN. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar04.

L:3A0979-1191=212y. R:3A1110-1191=81y. R:131

Son of Mallor (kar03). Father of Celebrindor (kar050).

During his rule, the population of Hobbits in Eriador grew as the threat beyond the Mountains drove more and more of these people out of the Vales of Anduin.

Fourth King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Celepharn succeeded his father as King of Arthedain in 1110. During his reign around 1150, the Fallohide and Stoor branches of Hobbits moved into Eriador. Celepharn ruled until his death in 1191. He was followed by his son Celebrindor.

The meaning of the name Celepharn is uncertain. It may be composed of the word celeb meaning "silver" and sarn meaning "stone."

Celepharn

CIRYON. 3rd Son of Isildur. < VEANDUR. See

DĺRHAEL.

DIRHAEL. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. L:3A2930. He was a descendant of Aranarth. Husband of Ivorwen.

Father of Gilraen. Aragorn's grandfather.

Dìrhael was of high lineage of Isildur and a descendant of Arathorn I. but of the wrong line. He dwelt with his wife in hidden fastness in the wild of Eriador. He was a foresighted man and so was his wife.

Their daughter Gilraen, as a young and fearless female of the Dúnedain, came to them for advice for she was sought in marriage of Arathorn II.

Grandfather of Aragorn, King Elessar. Dirhael was a descendant of Aranarth, the first Chieftain of the Dunedain. Dirhael and his wife Ivorwen both had the gift of foresight. They lived in a hidden stronghold in the wilds of Eriador with their daughter Gilraen, who was born in 2907 of the Third Age.

When Gilraen was only about 22 years old, Arathorn - the heir to the Chieftain of the Dunedain - asked to marry her. Dirhael was opposed to the match because he thought his daughter was too young and he foretold that Arathorn would not live long. But he agreed to the marriage on the advice of his wife, who believed that hope would be born of the couple. Arathorn died only four years later, but he had a son by Gilraen named Aragorn who became the King of the Reunited Kingdom.

Dírhael means "wise man" from dír meaning "man" and hael meaning "wise."

Dírhael

EARENDUR.

Eärendur is a name used for three people in the Middle-earth legendarium of J. R. R. Tolkien:

Eärendur son of Tar-Amandil, son of a King of Númenor during the Second Age

Eärendur of Andúnië, another noble of Númenor, from later in the Second Age

Eärendur of Arnor, a King of Arnor from the Third Age

EARENDUR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. Kar10.

L:3A0640-0861=221y. R:3A0777-0861=84y. R:137.

Son of Elendur (Kar09). Father of Amlaith of Fornost (kar01). Earendur was the Last King of Arnor.

At his death the Kingdom of Arnor was divided among his three sons. Amlaith was the eldest son.

He became the first King of Arthedain. The names of the two other sons are not known.

One became King of Cardolan, the other became King of Rhudaur.

Earendur had a son named Amlaith and at least two younger sons. When Earendur died in 861, his sons divided Arnor into three Kingdoms - Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. Amlaith became the first King of Arthedain, and two other sons ruled Cardolan and Rhudaur. Earendur was therefore the last King to rule the entire North-kingdom until Aragorn, King Elessar.

The name Eärendur is Quenya meaning "Sea servant" or "(professional) mariner" from Eär meaning "the Sea" and the ending ndur meaning "to serve." Earendur's descendants used Sindarin names rather than Quenya.

Eärendur, King of Arnor

ELDACAR. (Q). "High-elf".

ELDACAR. See

ELDACAR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. Kar04.

L:3A0087-0339=252y. R:3A0249-0339=90y. R:162.

Son of Valandil (Kar03).. Father of Arantar (Kar05).

-ELDAKAR.

The name Eldacar - also spelled Eldakar - means "elf helm" from elda meaning "elf" and karma meaning "helmet" from kár meaning "head."

Eldacar

ELDARION. Son of Aragorn II. See WESTMEN

Eldarion

ELENDIL THE TALL. See ELENDIL

ELENDUR. 1st Son of Isildur. < KIRYANDIL. See

ELENDUR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. Kar09.

L:3A0552-0777=225y. R:3A0652-0777=125y. R:100.

Son of Valandur (Kar08). Father of Eärendur (Kar10) the Last King.

Elendur became King after his father was killed in 652. He ruled until his death in 777 and was succeeded by his son Earendur.

The name Elendur means "Star servant." The word elen means "star" and is here probably a reference to the Elves, or Eldar, the People of the Stars. The ending ndur meaning "to serve."

Elendur

ESTELMO. See

GILBARAD. Man of Arnor. Dúnedan. Father of Ivorwen.

GILRAEN. (S). "Wandering Star".

GILRAEN THE FAIR. Woman of Arnor. Dúnadan.

L:3A2907-3007=100y. Daughter of Dírhael and Ivorwen.

3A2929: She married Arathorn II. They had only one child: son Aragorn, born 3A2931.

Gilraen lived in Rivendell from the death of her husband in 3A2933 until 2954. In 3A2954 she returned to her home somewhere in Eriador.

Gilraen The daughter of Dírhael of the Northern Dúnedain, who wed Arathorn and became the mother of Aragorn.

Mother of Aragorn, King Elessar.

Gilraen married Arathorn son of Arador in 2929. Her father Dirhael was opposed to the match because he felt Gilraen was too young to marry and because he had a sense of foreboding that Arathorn would not live long. But Ivorwen counselled her husband to acquiesce, saying "If these two wed now, hope may be born for our people; but if they delay, it will not come while this age lasts." (Appendix A, p. 338)

One year later, Arathorn II became Chieftain of the Dunedain when his father was killed by Hill-trolls. Gilraen gave birth to Aragorn on March 1, 2931. In 2933, Arathorn was slain by an Orc arrow. Gilraen took her two-year-old son Aragorn to Rivendell where Elrond accpeted the boy as a foster-son and gave him the name Estel, meaning "Hope."

Gilraen and Aragorn lived together at Rivendell until 2951, when Aragorn turned twenty and was told of his heritage by Elrond. At that time also Aragorn met Elrond's daughter Arwen and fell in love with her. Gilraen noticed a change in her son and questioned him about it. She warned Aragorn that Elrond would not easily consent to a marriage between his only daughter and a mortal Man. Gilraen feared that the line of Isildur would end, and she told Aragorn that it was his fate to wander in the Wild. She said no more to him of her fears and Aragorn left Rivendell to face many perils and hardships.

Aragorn and Arwen plighted their troth in 2980. A few years later, Gilraen left Rivendell and went to live alone near her people in Eriador. She did not often see her son for he continued to journey throughout Middle-earth. When Aragorn came to visit his mother, she foretold her coming death.

"This is our last parting, Estel, my son. I am aged by care, even as one of lesser Men; and now that it draws near I cannot face the darkness of our time that gathers upon Middle-earth. I shall leave soon."

Aragorn tried to comfort her, saying: "Yet there may be a light beyond the darkness; and if so, I would have you see it and be glad."

But she answered only with this linnod: "Onen i-Estel Edain, ú-chebin estel anim - I gave Hope to the Dunedain, I have kept no hope for myself."

Appendix A: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 342

Gilraen died before the next spring in 3007. Her son Aragorn became King of the Reunited Kingdom on May 1, 3019.

Tolkien defined the name Gilraen as meaning "one adorned with a tressure set with small gems in its network," such as the cap of silver lace and gems worn by Arwen when Frodo first saw her at Rivendell. (A tressure is a medieval word for a net confining the hair.)

Gilraen

HALBARAD THE DUNADAN. The word hal means "tall" and barad means "tower."

Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. D:3A3019. Ranger of the North, bearer of Aragorn's standard. He led the company of Rangers that met Aragorn in Rohan during the WR.

He accompanied Aragorn through the Paths of the Dead. During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields he was Aragorn's standardbearer. He was slain in this battle.

Ranger of the North, leader of the Grey Company. Halbarad was among the Rangers who guarded the Shire at the end of the Third Age. He said of the Hobbits, "A little people, but of great worth are the Shire-folk. Little do they know of our long labour for the safekeeping of their borders, and yet I grudge it not." (RotK, p. 53)

In response to a message sent to Rivendell by Galadriel, Halbarad led the Grey Company comprised of 30 Dunedain south to the aid of their kinsman Aragorn. With them rode Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond. They caught up with Aragorn near the Fords of Isen in Rohan in the early hours of March 6, 3019. Halbarad brought Aragorn a message from Arwen as well as a standard made by her, which Aragorn asked Halbarad to keep for him for a while.

Halbarad accompanied Aragorn to a chamber high in the Hornburg where Aragorn looked into the palantir and revealed himself to Sauron. That morning Aragorn decided to take the Paths of the Dead under the White Mountains and Halbarad and Grey Company went with him along with Legolas and Gimli. When they reached the entrance at daybreak on March 8, Halbarad said, "This is an evil door, and my death lies beyond it. I will dare to pass it nonetheless..." (RotK, p. 59)

At midnight at the Stone of Erech, Aragorn summoned the Dead to fulfill their oaths and Halbarad unfurled Aragorn's standard, which appeared black with no device in the darkness. The Grey Company and the Dead passed through the lands of the South to Pelargir, where they captured the fleet of the Corsairs. Aragorn dismissed the Dead, and the Grey Company sailed up the Anduin.

When they arrived at the Pelennor Fields on March 15 in the midst of the battle, Aragorn's standard was once again unfurled but now it was seen to bear the emblem of the White Tree of Gondor and the Seven Stars and Crown of Elendil. Halbarad carried the standard onto the battlefield, where he was killed.

Halbarad

ISILDUR. See ISILDUR

IVORWEN. Woman of Arnor. Dúnadan. Lived:3A2907/2909. Wife of Dírhael and mother of Gilraen the Fair born in 2907. Grandmother of Aragorn, King Elessar. Ivorwen was the daughter of Gilbarad.

She married Dirhael and they had a daughter named Gilraen, born in 2907 of the Third Age. Their home was hidden in the wilds of Eriador. Ivorwen and her husband were descendants of Isildur, though not of the direct line of Kings. They were both gifted with foresight.

In 2929, Gilraen married Arathorn, the heir to the Chieftain of the Dunedain. Dirhael had been opposed to the match because of Gilraen's youth and because he foresaw that Arathorn would not live long. But Ivorwen also had a premonition, and she advised her husband to allow the marriage:

"The days are darkening before the storm, and great things are to come. If these two wed now, hope may be born for our people; but if they delay, it will not come while this age lasts."

Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 338

Arathorn lived only four more years, but from his brief union with Gilraen was born Aragorn. Ivorwen was at Aragorn's naming, and she interpreted his name to mean "Kingly Valour," saying:

"that he shall have, but I see on his breast a green stone, and from that his true name shall come and his chief renown: for he shall be a healer and a renewer."

The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: Foreword, p. xii

The green stone that Ivorwen saw was the Elessar given to Aragorn by Galadriel, and Elessar was the name by which Aragorn became known as the King of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor.

The meaning of Ivorwen is not known. It has been speculated that ivor may mean "crystal," based on the description of the crystal waters of Eithel Ivrin, the source of the Narog in Beleriand. (Silmarillion, p. 209-10) But the words ivor and ivrin are nowhere defined, and may not even be related.

The ending wen means "maiden." Ivorwen would therefore mean "crystal maiden" if the speculated definition of ivor is correct.

Ivorwen

MALBETH THE SEER. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. L:3A1900/2000. He was a seer and the royal counsellor of the King of Arthedain. He foretold the events of King Arvedui's life and gave him his name ("Last King"). He also prophesied concerning the Paths of the Dead and the role of Aragorn (Isildur's Heir) in the final battle with Sauron.

A Seer, or Prophet, was one gifted with extreme foresight.

Malbeth of the mid-Third Age, who predicted that Arvedui would be the last king of Arthedain and also forsaw the fate of the People of the Dead.Seer of Arthedain. Malbeth made at least two accurate prophecies concerning the future of the line of Isildur.

In 1864 of the Third Age, Malbeth advised Araphant to name his newborn son Arvedui, meaning "last king":

"Arvedui you shall call him, for he will be the last in Arthedain. Though a choice will come to the Dunedain, and if they take the one that seems less hopeful, then your son will change his name and become king of a great realm. If not, then much sorrow and many lives of men shall pass, until the Dunedain arise and are united again."

Appendix A: "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 330

Malbeth's prophecy came to pass in 1975. King Arvedui was driven into the far north by the Witch-king of Angmar and was stranded in the land of the Snowmen by the harsh winter. A ship came to rescue him, but the Snowmen advised him to wait for the thaw. Arvedui did not heed their advice, and he was killed in a shipwreck. The North-kingdom ended and the line of Isildur was continued by the Chieftains of the Dunedain for many generations.

A second prophecy, made by Malbeth sometime during the reign of Arvedui (1964-1975), spoke of a future Heir of Isildur:

"Over the land there lies a long shadow,

westward reaching wings of darkness.

The Tower trembles; to the tombs of kings

doom approaches. The Dead awaken;

for the hour is come for the oathbreakers;

at the Stone of Erech they shall stand again

and hear there a horn in the hills ringing.

Whose shall the horn be? Who shall call them

from the grey twilight, the forgotten people?

The heir of him to whom the oath they swore.

From the North shall he come, need shall drive him:

he shall pass the Door to the Paths of the Dead."

The Return of the King: "The Passing of the Grey Company," p. 54

During the War of the Ring in 3019, Elrond sent word to Aragorn, the sixteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain, to remember Malbeth's prophecy about the Paths of the Dead if he was in need of haste. When Aragorn looked into the palantir and learned that Gondor was threatened from the South by Corsairs, he realized that only by taking the Paths of the Dead would he get there in time.

Aragorn was followed through the Paths of the Dead by the Dead who had broken their oath to Isildur to fight Sauron. At the Stone of Erech, Aragorn told the Oathbreakers that he was Isildur's heir. The Dead fulfilled their oath by defeating the Corsairs, and with the threat from the South removed, Aragorn sailed to the aid of Minas Tirith. Thus the second prophecy of Malbeth came to pass.

Malbeth means "golden word." The element mal means "gold." The element beth is a lenited form of peth which means "word."

MALBETH THE SEER'S WORDS. Song/Verse/Poem.

Malbeth the Seer

MALLOR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar03.

L:3A0895-1110=215y. R:3A1029-1110=81y. R:135.

Son of Beleg (kar02). Father of Celepharn (kar04).

During Mallor's reign, the first Hobbits arrived in Eriador after crossing the Misty Mountains.

Third King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Mallor succeeded his father as King in 1029. During his reign in 1050, the Hobbits of the Harfoot branch crossed into Eriador over the Misty Mountains after a shadow fell on Greenwood the Great, afterwards known as Mirkwood. Although it was not known at the time, Sauron had established the stronghold of Dol Guldur in the forest.

Mallor ruled until his death in 1110 and was succeeded by his son Celepharn.

The name Mallor may be composed of mall meaning "gold" (the metal) and lor from glor or glaur meaning "golden light, radiance."

Mallor

MALVEGIL. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. kar06.

L:3A1144-1349=205y. R:3A1272-1349=77y. R:128.

Son of Celebrindor (kar05). Father of Argeleb I (kar07).

It was in Malvegil's time that the realm of Angmar was founded by the Witch-king, far to the north and east of Arthedain. Angmar would eventually bring about the end of Malvegil's kingdom, but not for more than six centuries after his death.

Sixth King of Arthedain in the North-kingdom. Malvegil became King of Arthedain after his father's death in 1272.

During Malvegil's reign around 1300, the Lord of the Nazgul came to the North and established the realm of Angmar. He became known as the Witch-king of Angmar and he made war upon the Dunedain of the North. Orcs and other creatures as well as evil Men were in his service and threatened the lands of the North-kingdom.

Malvegil died in 1349 and was succeeded by his son Argeleb I, who ruled for only seven years before he was killed in battle against the forces of Angmar in 1356.

The name Malvegil may mean "golden sword" from mal meaning "gold" and vegil from megil meaning "sword."

Malvegil

OHTAR. See

SONS OF EARENDUR. Men of Arnor. Dúnedain. One of them was AMLAITH of Fornost.

The others were the King of Rhudaur and the King of Cardolan.

TARCIL. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. Kar06.

L:3A0280-0515=235y. R:3A0435-0515=80y. R:155.

Son of Arantar (Kar05). Father of Tarondor (Kar07).

-TARKIL.

Aso spelled Tarkil. The name Tarcil means "high man" in Quenya. It was also used to mean "one of Numenorean descent." The word tar means "high." The ending cil

or kil is from khil meaning "follow." Mortal Men were called the Hildor, or "followers," by the Elves.

Tarcil

TARONDOR. Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. Kar07.

L:3A0372-0602=230y. R:3A0515-0602=87y. R:141.

Son of Tarcil (Kar06). Father of Valandur (Kar08). Nephew of Telemnar.

The meaning of the name Tarondor is uncertain. The first element tar means "high" and is used as a prefix to mean "King." The second element ondor is unclear. It may be from the Quenya ondo meaning "stone" in reference to Gondor (Quenya = Ondonore) since there was also a King of Gondor named Tarondor, but this seems unusual for a King of Arnor. The word ndor means "land, country." The ending dor is also used in Sindarin names to mean "high, noble," but Tarondor is a Quenya name.

Tarondor

VALANDIL. 4th son of Isildur. See MEN OF WESTERNESSE

VALANDUR. The name Valandur means "servant of the Valar." The ending ndur meaning "to serve."

Man of Arnor. Dúnadan. Kar08.

L:3A0462-0652=190y. R:3A0602-0652=50y. R:140.

Son of Tarondor (Kar07). Father of Elndur (Kar09). He died a violent death.

Valandur became King of Arnor after his father's death in 602. He was slain in unknown circumstances in 652 and was followed by his son Elendur.

Valandur

MEN OF ARNOR.

Men of Arnor

The HEIR OF ANARION and the HEIR OF ISILDUR were the lawful Kings of Gondor or of Arnor.

Only they could use the Palantirs.

Heir of Anárion

HEIR(S) OF ELROS, HEIR(S) OF ISILDUR, HEIR(S) OF ANARION,

HOUSE OF ISILDUR, HOUSE OF ANARION, LINE OF ELROS, LINE Of ELENDIL, LINE OF ISILDUR, LINE OF ANARION.

NORTHERN LINE

---SOUTHERN LINE. See MEN OF GONDOR

HEIR(S) OF ELENDIL. Heir of Elendil

HOUSE OF ELROS (dynasty). Kings of Westernesse. See MEN OF WESTERNESSE

HOUSE OF ELENDIL (dynasty). Kings of Arnor and Kings of Gondor. House of Elendil

HOUSE OF ISILDUR. House of Isildur

DUNEDAIN OF ARNOR.

DUNEDAIN OF THE NORTH. See this Volume.

DUNEDAIN OF THE SOUTH. See MEN OF GONDOR

Dúnedain of the North Dúnedain of the South Dúnedain of Arnor Northern Dúnedain

EXILES THE. Exiles of Númenor

Men of Arnor, Men of Gondor. Line of Anarion. Line of Isildur.

GREY COMPANY. Grey Company

Grey Company, The

KINGS OF ARTHEDAIN. The Kings of Arthedain were the hereditary rulers of Arthedain, a splinter kingdom of Arnor.

They were descended from Amlaith the eldest son of Eärendur the last King of Arnor. Following the destruction of the other two northern Dúnedain kingdoms, Cardolan and Rhudaur, the kings of Arthedain claimed the title King of Arnor. Practically speaking, however, their power was limited to the land of Arthedain which gradually diminished over the course of their seven hundred-year struggle with Angmar.

Angmar finally triumphed over Arthedain in 3A1974 with the destruction of Fornost. The son of the last king, Arvedui, chose not to claim the kingship and instead became the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain.

KINGS OF CARDOLAN. The Kings of Cardolan were the hereditary rulers of Cardolan, a splinter kingdom of Arnor.

The first king of Cardolan was the second son of Eärendur who following his father's death in T.A. 861 disputed the ascension of his elder brother Amlaith to the throne and declared himself king of the independent realm of Cardolan. The exact sequence of events which led to this, the later deeds of the kings of Cardolan as well as their names remain unknown.

Presumably the last king of Cardolan died in 3A1409—the year given for its destruction by Angmar—as what remained of his subjects were absorbed into the kingdom of Arthedain.

KINGS OF RHUDAUR. The Kings of Rhudaur were the hereditary rulers of Rhudaur, a splinter kingdom of Arnor.

The first king of Rhudaur was the third and youngest son of Eärendur who following his father's death in T.A. 861 disputed the ascension of his elder brother Amlaith to the throne and declared himself king of an independent realm.

Rhudaur itself was the most isolated and inhospitable of the northern kingdoms, and it would seem that a significant number of the king's subjects were native Hill-men who resented rule by Númenoreans. At some point after 3A1300[1] this group, with the support of Angmar, usurped the throne of Rhudaur and drove out the Dúnedain. The usurped dynasty, if any survived, presumably sought refuge in Arthedain or Cardolan.

The Hill-men Kings of Rhudaur ruled for some time as vassals of Angmar. Apparently however they were not very successful as by 3A1409 the region was almost completely depopulated. At this time Rhudaur was finally annexed by Angmar and the its kingship was terminated.

RANGERS OF THE NORTH.

Dunedain of the former North-kingdom of Arnor who guarded Eriador. The Rangers of the North secretly protected the Hobbits of the Shire, the Men of Bree-land, and other inhabitants of Eriador. Most people were unaware of the Rangers' vigilance and viewed them as vagabonds.

The Rangers of the North travelled far and wide throughout Eriador using their skills as trackers to hunt down the servants of Sauron. The Rangers were used to living in the wild, though they sometimes stayed at the Prancing Pony in Bree. The Bree-folk listened to the news they brought from abroad but remained suspicious of the Rangers.

The Rangers were rough and worn in appearance, but they were also proud and noble in demeanor. They wore simple clothing without ornamentation apart from silver star-shaped brooches on their cloaks. They were generally tall with dark hair.

The Rangers were descendants of the Dunedain of the North-kingdom of Arnor. The North-kingdom ended in 1974 of the Third Age when the Witch-king of Angmar captured Fornost, the last stronghold of the Dunedain. Although the Witch-king was defeated in the Battle of Fornost, the Dunedain were weakened and they became a wandering people.

Nevertheless, as Rangers the Dunedain continued to protect the peoples of their former kingdom. They kept their deeds secret so the common folk of Eriador could live without fear of the danger that surrounded them. Several Chieftains of the Dunedain were killed while leading the Rangers to fight the evil creatures that invaded their lands.

In 2327, Aragorn I was slain by wolves which plagued eastern Eriador. Around 2480, Orcs began to make strongholds in the Misty Mountains to block the passes into Eriador. Starting around 2740, Orcs began to come down from the mountains into Eriador. There were numerous skirmishes with the Orcs between 2745 and 2748.

Arathorn I died an untimely death in unknown circumstances in 2848. Arador was killed by Hill-trolls in the Coldfells north of Rivendell in 2930. His son Arathorn II was killed while hunting Orcs just three years later in 2933. He was succeeded by his son Aragorn II, who assumed leadership of the Rangers when he grew to manhood.

In 3001, the Rangers doubled their guard on the Shire when Gandalf began to suspect that the One Ring was in the possession Frodo Baggins. Saruman learned of the Rangers' vigilance and became increasingly interested in the Shire. For their part, the Rangers grew suspicious of Saruman's agents - whose purpose was ostensibly to buy pipe-weed - but they allowed them to pass because the Wizard was not yet known to be a traitor.

Sauron sent the Nazgûl to the Shire seeking the One Ring in 3018. On September 22, the Nazgûl reached Sarn Ford on the southern border of the Shire and found a company of Rangers on guard. The Rangers could not withstand the Nazgûl and many of them were slain, but some managed to escape. They were later able to delay one of the Nazgûl who was sent to report Frodo's presence at the Prancing Pony to the Witch-king, and they also alerted Gandalf that the Nazgûl were at large.

Aragorn was not with the Rangers at Sarn Ford but instead was on the East Road near Bree, where he was known as Strider the Ranger. He found Frodo at the Prancing Pony and escorted him to Rivendell with the Nazgûl in pursuit. After the Nazgûl were overcome by floodwaters at the Ford of Bruinen, Aragorn and a company of Rangers travelled downriver to Tharbad seeking signs of the Nazgûl's fate.

During the War of the Ring, Aragorn helped the Rohirrim defeat Saruman's forces at the Battle of Helm's Deep on March 3-4, 3019. After the battle, he was joined by 30 Rangers led by Halbarad along with Elrond's sons Elladan and Elrohir. The Rangers followed Aragorn through the Paths of the Dead. Aragorn led the Army of the Dead to Pelargir to defeat the Corsairs, and afterwards a Ranger boarded each of the ships to free the slaves.

On March 15, the Rangers fought in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields and Halbarad was slain. The remaining Rangers accompanied Aragorn to the Black Gate and fought in the Battle of the Morannon on March 25 while the One Ring was destroyed and Sauron was defeated. On May 1, the Rangers attended the coronation of Aragorn.

While the Rangers were away, Eriador was troubled by Men from the South as well as wolves and other evil creatures. The Rangers returned after the war, and Aragorn reestablished the North-kingdom as King of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor.

The name Rangers implies "wanderers." Also called the Guardians.

---RANGERS OF THE SOUTH. See MEN OF GONDOR